"Cameras in this category supply nearly all of the sophisticated SLR-like features and controls that are found on D-SLRs. Image quality is as good or better, all else being equal, and zoom cameras offer several advantages over D-SLRs."

"Other FeaturesTrue wide-angle performance has become more commonplace among cameras of this type, and that’s a big advantage. D-SLRs typically offer a 28-85mm equivalent zoom in a standard lens kit, but some all-in-one cameras provide a lens that starts at 24mm (35mm equivalent), most notably the Nikon Coolpix 8400. Fast lenses are easier to find, too. And many of the fixed-lens zoom models accept screw-on tele and wide-angle accessory lenses that provide excellent results"

"Digital SLRs are available for $800 or less, but adding a 7x or longer zoom lens will set you back at least $300 to $400 for even the lowest-priced lenses. You also could think of it this way: Would you prefer to spend eight hundred bucks on the cheapest entry-level D-SLR, or own the best, most sophisticated and fully featured zoom compact camera for the same money?"

My heart is settling on the Canon PowerShot S3 IS. Read the seriously in depth reviews at dpreview.com. The thing I like most is the 60 frames per second movie mode.